Freight crime is costing the UK economy £700m a year - what can we do about it?

Freight-crime-1 LBV.png.png

Freight crime is on the rise, costing the UK economy an estimated £700 million in 2023, according to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freight and Logistics. This isn’t just about lost revenues - it also includes VAT and insurance costs, impacting drivers, operators, and the entire supply chain.

A call for industry action 

At Fagan & Whalley, we recognise the need for urgent, collective action. This crisis threatens driver safety, compromises cargo security, and undermining the resilience of the UK’s logistics operations. 

The logistics industry is known for its resilience, but freight crime demands more than just endurance - it requires proactive measures to protect people, goods, and the future of our sector. 

This month, we’re delving into what freight crime involves, its impact on the industry, and the steps needed to combat it.

Understanding freight crime

Freight crime refers to the unlawful targeting of goods during transportation or storage. This includes theft from vehicles, trailers, and warehouses, fuel theft, tampering with shipments, and organised attacks on logistics operations.

Alarmingly, these crimes don’t just occur when drivers are forced to park in unsecured locations due to limited safe parking options - they also happen in supposedly ‘secure’ facilities. This highlights the pressing need for improved and reliable security measures.

The scale of the problem

According to a study by The Road Haulage Association (RHA) published in 2024, there were 5,370 reported incidents of HGV and cargo crime in 2023 - a five per cent increase from the previous year. Additionally, incidents at motorway services rose by 59 per cent. These figures likely underestimate the problem, as many incidents go unreported.

The financial impact on logistics

Freight crime isn’t just a security issue - it’s a financial burden. In 2023 alone:

- £68.3 million worth of goods were stolen. 
- The total cost to the UK economy was approximately £700 million. 
- Since 2020, the cost of freight crime has exceeded £1 billion.

These losses are compounded by rising insurance premiums, costly delays, and the need for enhanced security measures, putting immense financial pressure on logistics companies. For smaller firms, a single incident can be devastating.

 The hidden cost for HGV drivers

The impact of freight crime extends beyond financial losses. It also affects the well-being of HGV drivers, who often face unsafe conditions due to a shortage of secure parking facilities. This lack of infrastructure leaves drivers vulnerable to organised crime, affecting their safety and job satisfaction.

Working towards a solution

Despite the challenges, Fagan & Whalley remains optimistic. Recent developments, including a call from MPs for stronger measures against freight crime, indicate progress.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) continues to advocate for better support, securing £100 million in investment for truck parking and establishing a task force to address security gaps.

For more information on this topic visit the Fagan & Whalley website to see what we’re doing about freight crime within our industry. Alternatively, call us on 01282 771983

Enjoyed this? Read more from Fagan & Whalley Limited

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin